Romani community member becomes Miss Czech Republic

The new Miss Czech Republic has been announced, and the winner is 20-year-old Nikola Kokyová of Kolín. Sára Lyčková of Fulnek came in second and Domča Benáková, who lives in Hradec Králové, took third place.

"I can't even describe what my reaction was when they announced my name. I did not anticipate it at all. Things went dark before my eyes, I almost don't know who gave me what after that or what was happening around me. I can't describe it, it was a miracle from heaven. Thank you for that," Kokyová told the daily Deník.cz publication, adding that now she would like to start a career as a model.

"I hope this will open the door to a modeling career for me, that I will work in fashion shows and meet interesting people and designers. I'm looking forward to that," Miss Czech Republic said.

"I know that many things in my life will change now. However, I am convinced that I personally will not change much," Kokyová said after her triumph.

Cyril Koky, the father of the new Miss Czech Republic, has worked since 2003 as a specialist officer in the area of national minorities at the Central Bohemian Regional Authority and told the media that he is also glad about his daughter's success. "I was not very enthusiastic about her competing, it was a big time investment for her. What wouldn't a father do for his only daughter, though - I congratulate her, it's a fine success," he told Denik.cz, adding that what he wants above all is for his daughter to graduate from university.